Alison Gers

COO, Bryn Mawr Trust

When Alison Gers left CoreStates Bank in 1998 for a new job with Bryn Mawr Trust, the latter was a $500 million dollar bank. It has since grown to $3 billion dollars. With her experience in mergers and acquisitions, Gers has played a significant role in that growth.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

We’re currently upgrading all core banking platforms. It’s a monumental task, and it’s going to be so instrumental in helping Bryn Mawr Trust position itself for its next layer of growth. I’ve also been able to guide the bank in becoming an acquirer.

What has been your biggest challenge?

I think the biggest challenge is all the change in the local banking landscape. There are no large banks left in the city anymore. It’s also been a challenge adjusting to all the new requirements. The regulatory burden that we face now is just huge. Personally, as a mom, the challenge you always have is balancing.

What are your strongest leadership characteristics?

The ones that have served me best are the abilities to analyze the situation and move quickly to solution. I think having the ability to influence, and building the case for change are probably the things that have made me most successful. You’ve got to continually change.